scholarly journals Novel Mechanism for Surface Layer Shedding and Regenerating in Bacteria Exposed to Metal-Contaminated Conditions

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Archjana Chandramohan ◽  
Elodie Duprat ◽  
Laurent Remusat ◽  
Severine Zirah ◽  
Carine Lombard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Model Organism ◽  
Heavy Metal Stress ◽  
Nucleation Site ◽  
Wall Structure ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Surface Layers ◽  
Ordered Structures ◽  
Self Assembling ◽  
First Time

AbstractSurface layers (S-layers) are self-assembling, ordered structures composed of repeating protein subunits found as components of the cell walls throughout the Bacteria and the Archaea. S-layers act as an interface between prokaryotic cells and their surrounding environment, and provide protection for microorganisms against diverse environmental stresses including heavy metal stress. We have previously characterized the process by which S-layers serve as a nucleation site for metal mineralization in the presence of high concentration of metals. Here, we test the hypothesis originally proposed in cyanobacteria that a “shedding” mechanism exists in prokaryotes for replacing S-layers that have become mineral-encrusted. We used a metallotolerant gram-positive bacterium bearing an S-layer,Lysinibacillussp. TchIII 20n38, as a model organism. We characterize for the first time a mechanism for resistance to metals through S-layer shedding and regeneration. S-layers nucleate the formation of Fe-mineral on the cell surface, leading to the encrustation of the S-layer. Using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanoSIMS, we show that mineral-encrusted S-layers are shed by the bacterial cells, and the emerging cells regenerate new S-layers as part of their cell wall structure. This novel mechanism for the survival of prokaryotes in metal-contaminated environments may also provide elements necessary for the development of renewable systems for metal bioremediation.

scholarly journals Anatomical and biochemical studies of Spartium junceum infected by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex ST 87

PROTOPLASMA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Falsini ◽  
C. Tani ◽  
G. Sambuco ◽  
A. Papini ◽  
P. Faraoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Xylella Fastidiosa ◽  
Blue Staining ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Toluidine Blue Staining ◽  
Outbreak Area ◽  
Phenolic Components ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
First Time ◽  
Spartium Junceum

AbstractSpartium junceum L. is a typical species of Mediterranean shrubland areas, also grown in gardens and parks as an ornamental. In recent years in Europe, S. junceum has been recurrently found to be infected by different subspecies and genotypes of the quarantine regulated bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). This work presents for the first time the anatomy of S. junceum plants that we found, by means of genetic and immunochemistry analysis, to be naturally infected by Xf subsp. multiplex ST87 (XfmST87) in Monte Argentario (Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy), a new outbreak area within the EU. Our anatomical observations showed that bacteria colonized exclusively the xylem conductive elements and moved horizontally to adjacent vessels through pits. Interestingly, a pink/violet matrix was observed with Toluidine blue staining in infected conduits indicating a high content of acidic polysaccharides. In particular, when this pink-staining matrix was observed, bacterial cells were either absent or degenerated, suggesting that the matrix was produced by the host plant as a defense response against bacterial spread. In addition, a blue-staining phenolic material was found in the vessels and, at high concentration, in the pits and inter-vessels. SEM micrographs confirmed that polysaccharide and phenolic components showed different structures, which appear to be related to two different morphologies: fibrillary and granular, respectively. Moreover, our LM observations revealed bacterial infection in xylem conductive elements of green shoots and leaves only, and not in those of other plant organs such as roots and flowers.

Antibiotics Application Strategies to Control Biofilm Formation in Pathogenic Bacteria

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazlurrahman Khan ◽  
Dung T.N. Pham ◽  
Sandra F. Oloketuyi ◽  
Young-Mog Kim
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Quorum Quenching ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Biofilm Inhibition ◽  
Abiotic Surfaces

Background: The establishment of a biofilm by most pathogenic bacteria has been known as one of the resistance mechanisms against antibiotics. A biofilm is a structural component where the bacterial community adheres to the biotic or abiotic surfaces by the help of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) produced by bacterial cells. The biofilm matrix possesses the ability to resist several adverse environmental factors, including the effect of antibiotics. Therefore, the resistance of bacterial biofilm-forming cells could be increased up to 1000 times than the planktonic cells, hence requiring a significantly high concentration of antibiotics for treatment. Methods: Up to the present, several methodologies employing antibiotics as an anti-biofilm, antivirulence or quorum quenching agent have been developed for biofilm inhibition and eradication of a pre-formed mature biofilm. Results: Among the anti-biofilm strategies being tested, the sub-minimal inhibitory concentration of several antibiotics either alone or in combination has been shown to inhibit biofilm formation and down-regulate the production of virulence factors. The combinatorial strategies include (1) combination of multiple antibiotics, (2) combination of antibiotics with non-antibiotic agents and (3) loading of antibiotics onto a carrier. Conclusion: The present review paper describes the role of several antibiotics as biofilm inhibitors and also the alternative strategies adopted for applications in eradicating and inhibiting the formation of biofilm by pathogenic bacteria.

Ultrastructural studies of Chlamydia psittaci 6BC variant strains. I. Ultrastructure of the surface layers of egg-passaged 6BC strain

1973 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 887-894
Author(s):  
Linda Poffenroth ◽  
J. W. Costerton ◽  
Nonna Kordová ◽  
John C. Wilt
Keyword(s):  
Chick Embryo ◽  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Chlamydia Psittaci ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Surface Layers ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies ◽  
First Time

Electron microscopic examination of a semipurified Chlamydia psittaci 6BC strain attenuated in chick embryo yolk sac revealed for the first time two morphologically distinct small elementary bodies which differ both in the ultrastructure of their surface layers and in their buoyant densities in sucrose gradients. Also, the morphology of the surface layers of the larger reticulate forms in cell-free systems is described for the first time. Many points of difference between the surface envelopes and internal structure of chlamydial particles and those of Gram-negative bacteria are discussed.

Significance of External Carbon Sources on Simultaneous Removal of Nutrients from Wastewater

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 1047-1055 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. F. Y. Tam ◽  
Y. S. Wong ◽  
G. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Acetate ◽  
Batch Reactor ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Simultaneous Removal ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
P Content ◽  
Carbon Substrates ◽  
Effective Source

Laboratory-scale studies were undertaken to examine the effects of easily-biodegradable organic substances upon the nutrient removal by a simulated sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The fill and react period of the SBR was 14 hours, including an instant fill, 7 hours aeration, 4 hours anoxic and 3 hours aeration period. Three kinds of commonly used carbon sources, namely methanol, glucose and sodium acetate, at the concentrations equivalent to theoretical COD values of 50, 100 and 150 mg O2 l-1 were added to each reactor prior to the anoxic stage. The results showed that the concentration of NH4+-N dropped from its initial 50 to 18 mg l-1 (64 % removal) during the first aeration period, with the NO3−-N content increased from 2 to 33 mg l−1. A 60% depletion of COD was also recorded in this period. Denitrification occurred during the anoxic period, higher amount of NO3−1-N was removed in the reactors supplemented with carbon substrates at the concentrations of 100 and 150 mg l-1. The final inorganic nitrogen content was less than 5 mg l-1 in the reactor supplemented with 150 mg l-1 sodium acetate. Simultaneous removal of phosphorus was reported in reactors supplied with high concentration of sodium acetate. In these reactors, large amount of P was released during the anoxic/anaerobic period but the released P was taken up by bacterial cells in the subsequent aeration stage, and the final P content was less than 1.5 mg l-1 (84 % removal was achieved). Among the three carbon sources used, sodium acetate was the most efficient and effective source in removing wastewater nutrients, followed by methanol, and glucose was the least reliable substrate.

ARCHITECTURE OF FLOWER-LIKE rGO/CNTs-LOADED CuxO NANOPARTICLES AND ITS PHOTOCATALYTIC PROPERTIES

NANO ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 08 (05) ◽  
pp. 1350052 ◽  
Author(s):  
BIN ZENG ◽  
XIAOHUA CHEN ◽  
XUTAO NING ◽  
CHUANSHENG CHEN ◽  
HUI LONG
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photocatalytic Performance ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Photocatalytic Properties ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Graphene Oxides ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Time Scanning ◽  
Reduced Graphene ◽  
First Time

Novel flower-like composite architecture was successfully synthesized by spray drying and post-calcinating method for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations confirmed that reduced graphene oxides/carbon nanotubes hybrid (rGO/CNTs) formed a flower-like micrometer structure and Cu2O , CuO ( Cu x O , x = 1 or 2) nanoparticles were decorated inside them. The photocatalytic properties were further investigated by evaluating the photodegradation of a pollutant methyl orange (MO). The experimental results indicated that this novel architecture enhanced photocatalytic performance with 96.2% decomposition of MO after 25 min in the presence of H 2 O 2 under visible light irradiation, which was much higher than that of Cu x O powders (33.2%). This could be attributed to the more efficient adsorption of MO molecules on flower-like rGO/CNTs and provide a high concentration of MO near to the Cu x O nanoparticles, thus promoting the photocatalytic degradation process.

A Dynamic Model of III-V Ternary Semiconductor Alloys in the Epitaxial Growth

1994 ◽  
Vol 340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing-Lin Gu ◽  
Jing-Zhi Yu ◽  
Xiao Hu ◽  
Kaoru Ohno ◽  
Yoshiyuki Kawazoe
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Model ◽  
Ground State ◽  
Wave Method ◽  
Semiconductor Alloys ◽  
Concentration Wave ◽  
Surface Layers ◽  
Ordered Structures ◽  
Effective Interactions ◽  
Ternary Semiconductor ◽  
The Difference

ABSTRACTA concentration wave method for several interpenetrating Bravais sublattices is presented by considering the intralayer and interlayer effective interactions and the difference between the surface layers and the deeper layers in III – V alloys. The ground state ordered structures of ternary III – V semiconductor alloys are deduced and a dynamic model is established.

scholarly journals GC-TOF/MS-based metabolomics analysis to investigate the changes driven by N-Acetylcysteine in the plant-pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Cristina Picchi ◽  
Mariana de Souza e Silva ◽  
Luiz Leonardo Saldanha ◽  
Henrique Ferreira ◽  
Marco Aurélio Takita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Plant Pathogen ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Citrus Canker ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Xanthomonas Citri ◽  
Canker Disease ◽  
Potential Use

AbstractN-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant, anti-adhesive, and antimicrobial compound. Even though there is much information regarding the role of NAC as an antioxidant and anti-adhesive agent, little is known about its antimicrobial activity. In order to assess its mode of action in bacterial cells, we investigated the metabolic responses triggered by NAC at neutral pH. As a model organism, we chose the Gram-negative plant pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), the causal agent of citrus canker disease, due to the potential use of NAC as a sustainable molecule against phytopathogens dissemination in citrus cultivated areas. In presence of NAC, cell proliferation was affected after 4 h, but damages to the cell membrane were observed only after 24 h. Targeted metabolite profiling analysis using GC–MS/TOF unravelled that NAC seems to be metabolized by the cells affecting cysteine metabolism. Intriguingly, glutamine, a marker for nitrogen status, was not detected among the cells treated with NAC. The absence of glutamine was followed by a decrease in the levels of the majority of the proteinogenic amino acids, suggesting that the reduced availability of amino acids affect protein synthesis and consequently cell proliferation.

scholarly journals Expression of Heterologous Cellulases inThermotogasp. Strain RQ2

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Xu ◽  
Dongmei Han ◽  
Zhaohui Xu
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activities ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Recombinant Enzymes ◽  
Caldicellulosiruptor Saccharolyticus ◽  
Shuttle Vectors ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Chimeric Enzymes ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
First Time ◽  
Culture Supernatants

The ability ofThermotogaspp. to degrade cellulose is limited due to a lack of exoglucanases. To address this deficiency, cellulase genes Csac_1076 (celA) and Csac_1078 (celB) fromCaldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticuswere cloned intoT.sp. strain RQ2 for heterologous overexpression. Coding regions of Csac_1076 and Csac_1078 were fused to the signal peptide of TM1840 (amyA) and TM0070 (xynB), resulting in three chimeric enzymes, namely, TM1840-Csac_1078, TM0070-Csac_1078, and TM0070-Csac_1076, which were carried byThermotoga-E. colishuttle vectors pHX02, pHX04, and pHX07, respectively. All three recombinant enzymes were successfully expressed inE. coliDH5αandT.sp. strain RQ2, rendering the hosts with increased endo- and/or exoglucanase activities. InE. coli, the recombinant enzymes were mainly bound to the bacterial cells, whereas inT.sp. strain RQ2, about half of the enzyme activities were observed in the culture supernatants. However, the cellulase activities were lost inT.sp. strain RQ2 after three consecutive transfers. Nevertheless, this is the first time heterologous genes bigger than 1 kb (up to 5.3 kb in this study) have ever been expressed inThermotoga, demonstrating the feasibility of using engineeredThermotogaspp. for efficient cellulose utilization.

scholarly journals Evaluation of volatile constituents, exudation of resin and occurrence of galls of Protium aracouchini (Aubl.) Marchand

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Thiago Augusto Araujo Correia Lima (in memorian) ◽  
Leonardo Pinto Cunha ◽  
José Eduardo Lahoz da Silva Ribeiro ◽  
Marcia Ortiz Mayo Marques ◽  
Maria da Paz Lima
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Volatile Constituents ◽  
Aerial Parts ◽  
First Time ◽  
Time Information

Protium aracouchini (Aubl.) Marchand [sin Icica aracouchini Aubl.], which occurs in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, in the Brazilian Amazon, was evaluated for the presence of galls, for resin exudation and the composition of the essential oils from the aerial parts and the resin. The experiment to stimulate the exudation of resin from the trunk was conducted using a 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid solution. The resin produced after 40 days and the aerial parts had their essential oils extracted in a Clevenger apparatus and the volatile chemical constituents were analyzed using GC/MS. The non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes α-copaene (21.15%) and α-gurjunene (13.69%), in addition to the oxygenated sesquiterpene spathulenol (10.32%), were detected as the majority constituents of the essential oil of the leaves, and a concentration similar to that of α-gurjunene was found in the branches (13.28%). The resin essential oil showed a high concentration of hydrocarbon monoterpenes (76.49%) with a predominance of α-pinene (17.57%) and limonene (46.11%). Four gall morphotypes were found associated with this species. The present study reports for the first time information on the volatile constituents and the resinous potential of P. aracouchini, and registers the morphotypes of the galls that help in the taxonomy of the species.

scholarly journals A novel calcium-concentrating compartment drives biofilm formation and persistent infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alona Keren-Paz ◽  
Malena Cohen-Cymberknoh ◽  
Dror Kolodkin-Gal ◽  
Iris Karunker ◽  
Simon Dersch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Calcium Uptake ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Mineral Layer ◽  
Cellular Compartment ◽  
Persistent Infections ◽  
Cellular Metal

AbstractBacterial biofilms produce a robust internal mineral layer, composed of calcite, which strengthens the colony and protects the residing bacteria from antibiotics. In this work, we provide evidence that the assembly of a functional mineralized macro-structure begins with mineral precipitation within a defined cellular compartment in a differentiated subpopulation of cells. Transcriptomic analysis of a model organism, Bacillus subtilis, revealed that calcium was essential for activation of the biofilm state, and highlighted the role of cellular metal homeostasis and carbon metabolism in biomineralization. The molecular mechanisms promoting calcite formation were conserved in pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, resulting in formation of calcite crystals tightly associated with bacterial cells in sputum samples collected from cystic fibrosis patients. Biomineralization inhibitors targeting calcium uptake and carbonate accumulation significantly reduced the damage inflicted by P. aeruginosa biofilms to lung tissues. Therefore, better understanding of the conserved molecular mechanisms promoting biofilm calcification can path the way to the development of novel classes of antibiotics to combat otherwise untreatable biofilm infections.

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